String holder for use with concrete masonry units (CMU&#39;s) and bricks

ABSTRACT

A Masonry Line Stabilizing Apparatus for use with CMU&#39;s and Bricks incorporates an elongate piece of metal with biasing faces, which secure a string line longitudinally through a string stabilizing lip.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is in the area of construction, and more particularly relates to an apparatus for holding string lines with respect to concrete masonry units (CMU's) and bricks.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

One of the most crucial aspects of construction work is to ensure that the building process adheres strictly according to measurements. If various concrete masonry units (hereafter CMU's), or other building materials are not positioned accurately, a lot of serious problems may unnecessarily ensue.

In order to ensure that a course of CMU's is appropriately lined up, masons use a string line which is stretched from one end to another. Typically, one mason will position himself in the center of the course and place a twig there in order to stabilize the string line. In addition, the mason will often place an object on top of the twig to make sure that the string line does not sag in the middle of the course.

Unfortunately, this process of placing a weighted object on a twig can bring about serious hazards on a construction site. Under windy conditions, a twig can pull the heavy object (sometimes a rock) off the course and send it flying downwards several stories. And by the time the object reaches ground level, its acceleration can potentially cause serious injury to those below. In other instances, it can also cause expensive property damage.

Therefore, what is clearly needed in the art is an apparatus which enables masons to secure a string line along a course of either CMU's or bricks.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus to enable masons to secure a string line along a course of CMU's or bricks. This apparatus is easy to use, and mitigates potential safety hazards on a construction site.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a frontal elevation view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of the prior art.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a side view of a tool to be used with the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the prior art.

FIG. 14 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of the prior art.

FIG. 15 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a unique apparatus is disclosed which enables users to secure a tight string line with respect to either concrete masonry units (CMU's) or bricks. The present invention obviates the need for twigs, and other objects typically used therewith. The present invention is described in enabling detail below.

FIG. 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the present invention. A Masonry Line Stabilizing Apparatus for use with CMU's 100 incorporates an elongate member 101. This elongate member, in some preferred embodiments is made of a flexible sheet of metal. The flexibility of the metal enables portions of the apparatus to be biased between the cell of a CMU (Concrete Masonry Unit) and the web.

FIG. 13 contrasts the present invention with the prior art. Typically, many construction workers use a twig 502 which holds a line in place along a course of CMU blocks. And in order to stabilize the twig, workers use various objects 502 to weigh down the twig to prevent the twig from falling off. These objects can be rocks, or other solid objects. The use of these objects creates a safety hazard when the object falls off the course from a high position. These objects can cause serious injury or property damage when they reach the ground from a high elevation. By way of contrast, the present invention firmly secures the line in a fixed position along the course.

The elongate member comprises a first distal end 102, a second distal end 103, an inner side 104, an outer side 105, a first face 106, a second face 107, a third face 108, and a stabilizing lip 109. The stabilizing lip is disposed near the first distal end and the first face. The first face is disposed at an angle with respect to the second face. The third face is disposed at an angle with respect to the second face.

In operation, the third face is pressed in a downward direction 5 to bias against the cell of the CMU 195. The stabilizing lip is also biased against the face of the CMU in order to create a strong interference with across the web of the CMU. The string line 150 is threaded longitudinally through the stabilizing lip.

FIGS. 9-13 illustrate another preferred embodiment of the present invention specifically for use with bricks. The Masonry Line Stabilizing Apparatus for use with Bricks 200 includes a primary distal end 201, a secondary distal end 202, a frontal surface 203, a rear surface 204, a first plane 205, a second plane 206, a third plane 207, and a line holder 208. The line holder is disposed near the primary distal end. The first plane is disposed at an angle with respect to the second plane. The third plane is disposed at an angle with respect to the second plane.

In operation, the third plane is biased against one side of the brick in direction 6, whereas the line holder is biased against the other side of the brick. Both forces create a strong interference fit across the top of the brick 255. A string line 225 is threaded longitudinally through the line holder.

It will be apparent to the skilled artisan that there are numerous changes that may be made in embodiments described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. As such, the invention taught herein by specific examples is limited only by the scope of the claims that follow. 

1. A Masonry Line Stabilizing Apparatus for use with CMU's comprising: an elongate member; the elongate member comprises a first distal end, a second distal end, an inner side, an outer side, a first face, a second face, a resilient third face for the purpose of biasing against the face of the CMU in order to create an interference fit, and a stabilizing lip for biasing against the CMU; the stabilizing lip is disposed near the first distal end and the first face; the first face is disposed at an angle with respect to the second face; the resilient third face is disposed at an angle with respect to the second face; the resilient third face is biased in a downward direction against the CMU.)
 2. A Masonry Line Stabilizing Apparatus for use with Bricks comprises a primary distal end, a secondary distal end, a frontal surface, a rear surface, a first plane, a second plane, a resilient third plane for the purpose of biasing against the face of the brick in order to create an interference fit, and a line holder for biasing against the brick; the line holder is disposed near the primary distal end; the first plane is disposed at an angle with respect to the second plane; the resilient third plane is disposed at an angle with respect to the second plane; the resilient third face is biased in a downward direction against the brick. 